Lunchette

05/27/2026

What's New in Lunchette:

Spring Into Summer salad is very different for us, but also very seasonal!
Still on our amazing local organic lettuces but with lemongrass-ginger dressing, forbidden rice salad, Fifth Crow kohlrabi, County Line summer squash, Durst asparagus, cucumber, carrots, pickled onions, spiced cashews, & fried shallots. This is vegan and GF but has tofu in the dressing, and contains nuts. Warning: it's delicious! Order today!

Take Action:

Vote!
If you haven't already that is. I have. My family did it together so we could thoroughly discuss the candidates in every race. It makes for a pretty cool activity with your adult offspring!
You do your thing but my thing:
gov: Tom Steyer (because of the endorsements by Bill McKibben, Rebecca Solnit, and Ro Khanna)
congress: Jared Huffman
assemly: Jackie Elward
board of supes: Joanna Paun
AG: Rob Banta
B: YES
I'll stop here so as to not bore you. :)

Nutrition with Mel Corner:

Hey Ya’ll, its Mel, your local Behavioral NutritionistI. As a Registered Dietitian (RDN), I help people understand that nutrition is not just about food rules or what appears on a plate. An RDN offers evidence-based guidance, practical strategies, and personalized support to help people make choices that are realistic, sustainable, and rooted in health rather than trends. However, true behavior change reaches far beyond calories, nutrients, or weight management.
Behavior change is about the bigger picture of how we live. It can mean learning to eat in ways that support long term health, choosing foods that are grown locally, reducing waste, cooking more often, and building habits that feel meaningful and manageable. It can also mean finding connection, engaging in the community, and recognizing that nourishment comes from relationships, purpose, and environment as much as from food itself.

That is why Lunchette matters. Lunchette is leading a nourishing movement in our community by sourcing food locally, focusing on zero waste, and participating in initiatives that strengthen the health and longevity of Petaluma. When a restaurant invests in local farms, it supports the regional economy and food system. When it reduces waste, it helps protect resources for future generations. When it shows up for the community, it creates a sense of belonging that supports wellbeing.
Working with a Behavioral Nutritionist means looking at health through a wider lens and understanding that every small choice can nourish both people and place. It is a model of nourishment that feeds individuals, creates value and purpose, and helps a healthier community take root. Remember….Keep it Local, Keep it Simple, Keep it Clean!

community:

Our friend Erin just opened Blanton's Boot and Hat on Petaluma Blvd by Thrifty Hippy. The store looks straight out of Austin, but with much more affordable wearables. And Erin and her staff are pros. Giddyup on in there for some new boots!

Upcoming:

5/28/26
Scott St. Disco at Griffo Distillery
go dance, have fun with DJ and live musicians!

5/31/26
Sonoma Family Meal Spring event: Renewal
This will be a fun one, folks! First, it’s at Harrow’s Barn in Cornerstone, so, a beautiful setting to be in. Second, it will feature amazing Sonoma restaurants Valley, Spread, Stella, and more. Third, it will celebrate the first Teen Culinary Training Program, who will be paired with the chefs of those illustrious restaurants to make treats for US!
buy tickets today! (https://www.sonomafamilymeal.org/)

Road Trip!! actually...FOOD TRIP!!!

You can read all about our adventure up north on my substack Plate and Place. I include many recommendations!

These are trying times. Let's offer each and every person grace and compassion. Let's be here for each other.

Click here for an update from Lunchette (open Mon-Fri)!

05/24/2026

Y’all know weekends we are closed so what do we do? Give props to our friends and neighbors is what we do!! This is Erin and she owns the new country boot, hat, and more store in downtown Petaluma, 🤠💃🏻👏 The store is gorgeous, Erin and her staff (hey .gruener 🙌) are more than friendly and helpful, they’re lovely as sweet tea on the porch at sunset - ok that was just the drugs I’m still on - ignore that. Or don’t! Just get down there for a new pair and join me Wednesday nights at Torches to break them in line dancing!! Welcome to Petaluma, Erin!!

05/21/2026

As we sit with the painful fact that 5/23/26 is the “angelversary” of Kyle Emerson, we still have to show up as our best selves, to cause the beautiful sweet positive ripple effect we all so need. And while we sit holding down all this, more tragedy has taken place, taken root in our loving town. This has been the hardest of times, so when you come in, hold us with grace too, we ask. We are holding grief, trembling under the weight of it. And we are still radiating loving kindness because that’s the cognitive dissonance these times bring about. Below is a journal entry and while it may be raw, it’s as real as it gets to explain to you how much hurt we are holding while we smile and hug you.

5/19/26
My dear friend’s son is dead. Accidental overdose. Another one, another young man with so much promise, another young man so complex and full of hurt, seeking belonging and comfort but unable to find it, to feel it entirely, no matter how much love he was shown. He mirrored it right off of him. He was difficult, like another young man I know and love, and his mom and I always laughed about them and how fu***ng funny their idiosyncracies were. I’m already speaking in past tense, and that hurts even more. The worst part aside from the tear in my heart that his death caused, is that I have to put my grief in a box so I can go to work, be in the world, and that hurts like a mo********er. Compartmentalizing is painful, it tears at the seams of my grief, but I don’t know how to contain both, how to hold the hurt and still show up in a way that pulses love, connectivity, the ripple of hope. Some say, don’t worry about holding it back. They’re not wrong, but they’re not right. So I sit here crying, writing down the words so that I can get to a place where I can go tour the recycling facility (which feels stupid today but isn’t) then be in Lunchette all day, where we do hold space for everyone’s pain, yet aren’t really allowed to sink into it ourselves.

💔

05/14/2026

What's New in Lunchette:

Our Potato Leek Soup is a misnomer. Seriously.
It actually also has green garlic from Pelicanos Farm, celery root from West County Community Farm plus the leeks from Paul’s Produce, It is delicious served hot or slurped cold, is vegan and GF. Find it in the grab-and-go fridge, in returnable quart jars! It's delicious!

Take Action:

vote!
you already do, but hey, a friendly reminder seems fair.
I've written about the Board of Supervisors candidates on Instagram - I'll repeat myself here: Joanna Paun and Sylvia Lemus are both worth your consideration. Joanna is the only candidate endorsed by the Sonoma County Democrats, has been on the Petaluma School Board for 8 years, and has been doing her homework to get up to speed on all that affects us SoCo folks. Sylvia is endorsed by the sheriff's department but is also making the rounds to learn about everything. Take a look at these candidates and decide for yourself.

community matters...

Remembering Kyle Emerson.
The Friday before Memorial Day weekend will never go by without a sharp pain in our hearts. It was the day Kyle didn’t show up for his shift, the day we all knew something was wrong. His mama, Tracy, calls this his “angelversary.” Whatever you call it, it’s been one year since he left us and we are still feeling the pain of it, and the big hole he left. The hole, a beautiful, indelible mark on all of us who were in community with him. So, Kyle, wherever you are, we love you, we miss you, we still hold a place here for you. If YOU want to do something special to mark this date, please consider making a donation to Face to Face, a harm reduction non-profit that helps those suffering from addiction. Link below.

Upcoming:

5/31/26

Sonoma Family Meal Spring event: Renewal
I repeat myself because I know you'd love this event, this cause, this community building! Join me in having fun at Cornerstone tasting food from Valley, Enclos, Stella, Spread, and Songbird! Link to SFM website below, and to see what I'M wearing... I nabbed this beauty at Estuary (https://www.shopestuary.com/) :0

We will be closed Monday, Memorial Day. We hope this spring brings much love and light to you.

Click here for an update from Lunchette (open Mon-Fri)!

05/09/2026

Two pics, two things.

1) thank you for recognizing the chicken farro salad as one of the regions best. We love it too.
-on salads, one of our favorites outside of all these others mentioned has to be the smoked black cod salad at holy f**k if it’s not perfect

2) is in the same mag as us!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏 we love our brother .ging so much and are so proud of what he’s built. Our current favorite sando is the Enzo. Or the Genero. Hmmm. Ok both. Love you Ian!! 💕

05/07/2026

does it again 🤯 come see what the big deal is on our Seasonal Salad and our Quinoa Grain Bowl (which is departing Friday btw!!)

05/03/2026

Hi! It’s me under my favorite tree across the street from Lunchette! 🫡 If you don’t want to hear about two great candidates for district 2 (southern Sonoma county which includes Petaluma) quick, swipe!! No problemo.

If you do, read on 👇

There is not one but two good choices on the ballot for Board of Supervisors: Joanna Paun and Sylvia Lemus. You know me by now: I don’t disparage or undermine anyone - only good stuff. That’s why I’m writing about who I am excited by, not being negative! Ok…both Sylvia and Joanna have years of experience working collaboratively. That is, in committee, cooperatively, listening to other peoples’ points of views before making decisions. They both have experience serving the public. Joanna on the school board and Sylvia on planning commission, city council and Mayor of Cotati. They both are seeking input from experts in areas they may not have all the information or the background to be informed. And they both are genuinely worth your vote. It is up to you to do your research and decide who you want to represent you on the Board. I will do the same - I’m still in my info gathering stage. PS I do hope you will join me in staying positive and supportive!! Thank you, friends!!

04/30/2026

What's New in Lunchette:

The queen of Spring:
Poached rhubarb on the posset
I have waxed poetic about this beauty in myriad ways, on Substack (link below) and next month in the Argus Courier - with our recipe. Even if you think you dislike rhubarb, there is no way to not love the Meyer Lemon posset when it's topped with our poached local rhubarb! Come in and grab one to test out this theory.

Take Action:

Cool Petaluma's Future Fest
5/3 12pm to 4pm
free entry. cool people. go and get inspired!

Nutrition with Mel Corner:

“Hey y’all, it's Mel, your local Behavioral Nutritionist. This month I would like to share why eating seasonally is one of the simplest ways to nourish both your body and your community. Seasonal produce is harvested at its peak, meaning it often tastes better, has a richer texture, and retains more of its natural nutrients. When fruits and vegetables ripen naturally, they develop the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants our bodies rely on for energy, immunity, and overall well-being.

Choosing seasonal foods also supports local farmers and strengthens the local economy. When restaurants prioritize nearby, in-season ingredients, they reduce the distance food travels, which lessens environmental impact while ensuring fresher, higher-quality dishes on your plate. It’s a small choice that creates a meaningful ripple effect from farm to kitchen to table.
There’s also a deeper connection that comes from eating seasonally. Our bodies tend to crave what we need throughout the year, like crisp, hydrating foods in warmer months and heartier, grounding options in the late fall and winter months. Aligning with these natural rhythms can also help us feel more satisfied and in tune with our hunger and fullness cues.
Lunchette is a great place to take inventory on what is in season because they take pride in using seasonal, local produce for their menu items. Click HERE to see what is in season right now in our local communities! Using Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) is another way to eat seasonally. Click HERE to learn more about our local CSAs.
Seasonal eating isn’t about rules, it’s about reconnecting with food in a way that feels both nourishing and sustainable. You may find that eating this way brings a renewed sense of enjoyment and curiosity to your meals. Thank you for reading and don’t forget to keep it local, keep it simple, keep it clean.”

If you feel in need of behavioral nutrition advice, please don’t skip booking with her. She’s empathetic, and ultimately helpful for all types!

community matters...

Family portraits by the one and only Michael Garlington are now available, and made fun and easy, I swear to you. He makes you so comfortable! They’re $600, totally unique. If you want a custom frame (which you do, again, trust me!) that's $1200. These are, like him, one of a kind. Hit him up, bring your fam, get ‘er done! Below is Ma and Pa Lunchette:

Upcoming:

5/9/26

10am-4pm Under One Roof at The Watershed Building on 1st and G streets. This is the best artisan market in Petaluma, and it’s a perfect place to shop for your Mother’s Day gifts!
&
11am-4pm Cafe Puente Mercadito Artisano
Latino vendors, food and bev - worth your support!

5/31/26
Sonoma Family Meal Spring event: Renewal
This will be a fun one, folks! First, it’s at Harrow’s Barn in Cornerstone, so, a beautiful setting to be in. Second, it will feature amazing Sonoma restaurants Valley, Spread, Stella, and more. Third, it will celebrate the first Teen Culinary Training Program, who will be paired with the chefs of those illustrious restaurants to make treats for US!
buy tickets today! (https://www.sonomafamilymeal.org/)

Thank you for sharing your heart with us!

Click here for an update from Lunchette (open Mon-Fri)!